James Prochaska

Professor

Director, Cancer Prevention Research Center (CPRC)

Clinical Psychology

Office: CPRC Building
Phone: 401-874-2830
Email: jop@uri.edu
Website: http://www.uri.edu/research/cprc

Educational Background

Ph.D. 1969, Wayne State University
M.A. 1967, Wayne State University
B.A. 1964, Wayne State University

Research Interests

Development of a transtheoretical model of behavior change that integrates stages, processes and levels of change. Applications of this model to understanding how people change health related behaviors such as smoking, diet, exercise, and safe sex practices and mental health related behaviors, such as alcohol and drug abuse, stress and distress. Development of interventions based on this model to accelerate changes in problem behaviors. Development of an integrative model of psychotherapy for eclectic therapists. Currently directs several funded projects through the Cancer Prevention Research Center.

Professional Interests

Health promotion and cancer prevention through population based intervention programs, psychotherapy with individuals and couples.

Honors and Awards

Selected Publications

Books
Prochaska, J. O., & Norcross, J. C. (2006). Systems of psychotherapy: A transtheoretical analysis (Sixth Edition) Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks-Cole.

Prochaska, J.O., Norcross, J.C. & DiClemente, C.C. (1994). Changing for Good. New York: Morrow. Released in paperback by Avon, 1995. (printed in Hungarian 2009, printed in Polish 2008, printed in Hebrew 2006, printed in Japanese 2005)

Prochaska, J.O. and DiClemente, C.C. (1984). The transtheoretical approach: Crossing the traditional boundaries of therapy. Melbourne, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company.

Articles
Prochaska, J.O., DiClemente, C.C., & Norcross, J.C. (1992). In search of how people change: Applications to the addictive behaviors. American Psychologist, 47, 1102-1114. (This article presented the transformations in the science and practice of behavior change that were made possible by the Transtheoretical Model. It was the most cited article out of nearly 10,000 on Tobacco Control Research).

Prochaska, J.O. & DiClemente, C.C. (1983). Stages and processes of self change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51, 390 395. (This study was the first to show the systematic relationships between the stages of change and processes of change from leading theories of counseling and behavior change. It was the second most cited article on Tobacco Control Research).

Prochaska, J.O., Velicer, W.F., Rossi, J.S., Goldstein, M.G., Marcus, B.H., Rakowski, W., Fiore, C., Harlow, L., Redding, C.A., Rosenbloom, D., Rossi, S.R. (1994). Stages of change and decisional balance for 12 problem behaviors. Health Psychology, 13, 39-46. (14th Most cited article on Tobacco Control Research demonstrating comparable pattern of decision making across stages of change for 12 health behaviors).

Prochaska, J.O. (1994). Strong and weak principles for progressing from Precontemplation to Action based on twelve problem behaviors. Health Psychology, 13, 47-51. (Predicted magnitude of difference for the pros of changing [1.0 Standard Deviation] and cons [.5 Standard Deviation] recently replicated with 48 health behaviors).

Prochaska, J.O., DiClemente, C.C., Velicer, W.F., & Rossi, J.S. (1993). Standardized, individualized, interactive and personalized self-help programs for smoking cessation. Health Psychology, 12, 399-405. (First NIH funded trial demonstrating efficacy of computer tailored interventions, including outperforming counselors).

Prochaska, J.O., Velicer, W.F., Fava, J.L., Rossi, J.S., & Tsoh, J.Y. (2001). Evaluating a population-based recruitment approach and a stage-based expert system intervention for smoking cessation. Addictive Behaviors, 26, 583-602. (First population trial demonstrating effectiveness of computer tailored interventions with 80% of smokers being unmotivated).

Prochaska, J.O., Velicer, W.F., Rossi, J.S., Redding, C.A., Greene, G.W., Rossi, S.R., & Sun, X., Fava, J.L., Laforge, R.G., & Plummer, B. (2004). Multiple risk expert systems interventions: impact of simultaneous stage-matched expert system interventions for smoking, high-fat diet, and sun exposure in a population of parents. Health Psychology, 2, 503-516. (First population trial demonstrating effectiveness of computer-tailored interventions on all three treated behaviors with two-thirds of the population not motivated to change any behavior).

Prochaska, J.O., Velicer, W.F, Redding, C.A., Rossi, J.S., Goldstein, M., DePue, J., Greene, G.W., Rossi, S.R., & Sun, X. (2005). Stage-based Expert Systems to Guide A Population of Primary Care Patients to Quit Smoking, Eat Healthier, Prevent Skin Cancer and Receive Regular Mammograms. Preventive Medicine, 41, 406-416. (First population trial demonstrating effectiveness of Computer Tailored Interventions (CTI’s) on all four treated behaviors, while separate arm found no effects of clinician counseling on any behavior).

Prochaska, J.J., Velicer, W.F., Prochaska, J.O., Deluschi, KI., & Hall, S.M. (2006). Comparing treatment outcomes in smokers with single versus multiple behavior risks. Health Psychology, 25, 380–388. (First study to demonstrate comparable outcomes when treating 1, 2 or 3 behaviors simultaneously).

Prochaska, J.O. Wright, J.A., & Velicer, W.F. (2008). Evaluating Theories of Health Behavior Change: A Hierarchy of Criteria Applied to the Transtheroetical Model. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 57 (4), 561-588. (Hierarchy integrates criteria from different philosophies of science and hierarchy is applied from Perspectives of advocates and critics of TTM)

Prochaska, J.O. Wright, J.A., & Velicer, W.F. (2008). Evaluating Theories of Health Behavior Change: A Hierarchy of Criteria Applied to the Transtheroetical Model. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 57 (4), 561-588. (Hierarchy integrates criteria from different philosophies of science and hierarchy is applied from Perspectives of advocates and critics of TTM)

Graduate Student Research

Hellman, L. (2010). Refining what works in tailoring: analyses of computer-tailored interventions
Doctoral Dissertation

Paul, K. (2001). Composition and comparison of stage effects for smoking cessation, dietary fat reduction, and sun protection
Doctoral Dissertation

Charlotte, D. (1986). Therapists attributions of causality for their own and their clients's problems.
Doctoral Dissertation

Mederios, M. (1986). Coping strategies of psychotherapists with stressful clients.
Doctoral Dissertation

Penny, D. (1985). Levels of change attribution in alcoholic and general psychiatric inpatients
Doctoral Dissertation

Stern, R. (1984). Stages of acquisition of smoking in adolescents.
Doctoral Dissertation

Wilcox, N. (1983). Subject characteristics as predictors of self change approaches to smoking cessation.
Doctoral Dissertation

Norcross, J. (1982). A national survey of clinical psychologists.
Doctoral Dissertation